Velvet Sponge [Iotrochota arenosa]

Description
The Velvet Sponge is characterized by its velvet-like texture and can have various forms from encrusting to massive. It has a dark green to black color. It is commonly found in the western central Atlantic, in shallow waters near coral reefs.
Taxonomy
Phylum |
Sponges
Porifera
|
---|---|
Class |
Demospongiae
Demospongiae
|
Order |
Poecilosclerida
Poecilosclerida
|
Family |
Iotrochotidae
Iotrochotidae
|
Genus |
Iotrochota
Iotrochota
|